India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, with extensive security and administrative arrangements being put in place across the national capital. Ahead of the summit, September 11 has been declared a holiday for central and Delhi government offices, while schools in the capital are also scheduled to remain closed, as authorities prepare for the movement of international dignitaries and large VVIP motorcades. The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from BRICS countries and partner nations. The high-profile diplomatic event is expected to significantly affect traffic, security and daily movement across several parts of Delhi. Key Highlights BRICS Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from September 11 to 13. Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan will host the summit. September 11 has been declared a holiday for central and Delhi government offices. Delhi schools are also scheduled to remain closed on September 11. Security arrangements have been intensified across the capital. Foreign delegations are expected to stay at designated hotels in Delhi and NCR. Nearly 4,800 traffic personnel are expected to be deployed for traffic management. Delhi Police has advised commuters to use Metro and plan journeys in advance. Why Delhi Is Declaring a Holiday on September 11 The decision to close government offices on September 11 has been taken to reduce pressure on Delhi's roads and security infrastructure during the arrival and movement of foreign delegations. Both central government offices in Delhi and New Delhi and offices under the Delhi government, including autonomous bodies and public-sector undertakings, have been ordered to remain closed. Authorities expect the move to reduce the number of daily commuters on roads during one of the busiest days of the summit preparations. The summit's schedule coincides with the weekend on September 12 and 13, meaning the government holiday is expected to help authorities manage traffic and security during the three-day event. Delhi Schools to Remain Closed The BRICS Summit will also affect educational institutions in the capital. Schools across Delhi are scheduled to remain closed on September 11 in view of the BRICS Business Forum and the BRICS Leaders' Summit. The decision is aimed at reducing movement on roads and easing the pressure on transport networks during the high-security event. Students and parents have been advised to check instructions issued by their respective schools regarding classes and academic activities. International Delegations to Stay at Luxury Hotels The arrival of international dignitaries is expected to result in heightened security around several luxury hotels in Delhi. According to reports, foreign delegations are expected to stay at around 10 designated luxury hotels, with most located in central Delhi and another in the Saket area. Security arrangements have been intensified around these locations because of the movement of VVIP convoys between hotels, the airport and the summit venue. The movement of these convoys could result in temporary stoppages of traffic even on roads that are otherwise open to the public.(Read More : BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory, Check Affected Routes) Nearly 4,800 Traffic Personnel to Be Deployed Delhi Traffic Police has prepared an extensive traffic-management plan for the summit. Nearly 4,800 traffic personnel are expected to be deployed across the city to regulate movement and facilitate the travel of international dignitaries. The authorities have also identified more than 35 roads where traffic may be controlled, along with 22 diversion points. These arrangements are intended to ensure uninterrupted movement of VVIP motorcades while minimising inconvenience to ordinary commuters. Metro Recommended for Airport Travel With traffic restrictions expected during the summit, Delhi Police has advised commuters to use public transport wherever possible. People travelling to Indira Gandhi International Airport have particularly been advised to consider Metro services. Passengers travelling to railway stations and the airport have also been asked to leave well in advance and keep additional time for possible delays. Emergency and medical vehicles, however, will continue to receive priority and obstruction-free passage across the city. BRICS Summit Brings Delhi Under High Security The summit is one of the biggest international diplomatic events to be hosted by India this year. With leaders, ministers, officials and business representatives expected to arrive in the capital, security agencies have been carrying out preparations well ahead of the event. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through areas designated for VVIP movement and to follow instructions from traffic and security personnel. Delhi Police has also asked residents to rely on official channels for real-time updates regarding road restrictions, diversions and changes in traffic arrangements. Timeline of BRICS Summit 2026 September 8, 2026: Delhi Police issued a fresh advisory asking commuters to plan their journeys in advance. September 11: Government offices and schools in Delhi are scheduled to remain closed amid summit-related arrangements. September 11-13: BRICS Summit-related events and security arrangements will remain in force across the capital. September 12-13: The main BRICS Leaders' Summit will take place in New Delhi. Latest Update Delhi is entering a high-security phase ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026, with authorities taking several steps to minimise disruption during the arrival and movement of international dignitaries. The closure of government offices and schools on September 11, combined with extensive traffic restrictions and increased security, is expected to reduce pressure on the capital's roads. Residents and commuters should plan their journeys carefully, use Metro services wherever practical and keep extra time for airport and railway travel during the summit period.
